#ncitzens

Fuck it’s cold.

You should’ve known, it’s January of course it would be fucking cold. But January in California is 50° F, not below freezing.

It had been four years since you last stepped foot in Korea, and despite how unprepared you were, you finally felt at home. However, as happy as you were to be back in your home country, you were stuck in the most unfamiliar place you had ever been.

Online it looked amazing, but that didn’t hold to what it looked like in person. It was a dump. A dump that you were supposed to pay $900 a month for. Honestly, you didn’t even think the place was livable. The moment you walked in the door you noticed the peeling, graying wallpaper, but only after being hit with an unbearable stench similar to rotting food. You immediately turned around, slamming the weak wooden door shut, which creaked back open on it’s own, not even stable enough to stay shut.

“Should I get you a key?” The landlord asked, with a weird smile on his face.

You took one look at the door, which obviously couldn’t stay shut on it’s own, and you knew damn well that a key wouldn’t do shit.

With a tight smile you shook your head aggressively before grabbing your suitcase and hightailing it out of there.

You were lost. Absolutely lost and you had no idea what to do. The home that you were supposed to have, didn’t exist. There was only one person you could call, ruining all your plans of a surprise.

You heard the familiar tone as the line began to ring.

“What’s up? Can’t sleep?” You frowned for a moment, confused. Then you realized he still thought you were in California, it would’ve been 2 AM there.

“Not really…” you sighed, it would’ve been a really great surprise if you had just shown up, “I actually need your help.”

“Why? What happened?” There was faint arguing in the background, you could make out three other voices. “Is it serious?”

“Huh? Oh, yeah.” You had been so focused on eavesdropping you were neglecting your own conversation.

“Hey! Shhh!” He hissed at whoever he was with. “What is it?”

“Ummm.... I’mkindofinabitoftroubleandIreallyneedyourhelplikerightnow… please?” You rushed out, overwhelmed with a sudden bout of embarrassment.

“Huh? Dude, slow down I can’t understand a thing. Take a breath, damn.”

“Okay, chill. I’m kind of in a bit of trouble and Ireallyneedyourhelpnow.”

“Seriously?”

“Fine. I need your help.” You say, pissy about needing to ask him for help, afterall you were older and that automatically meant that you knew more.

“Oh you need MY help? What ever for?” you could hear the smirk on his face, the slight snicker didn’t help your falling mood.

“Look. I need you to pick me up.” You let out as blunt as you could.

“Huh?”

“I don’t have a place to stay anymore…”

“What are you talking about? Where are you?” There was a pause, you could almost hear the gears in his head turning. “Are you- are you in Korea?!”

“Yeah and I-” There was a loud squeal from the other side that had you breaking out in a grin.

“Where are you?! I’m coming right now!”

It felt as though there was an annoying gnat buzzing by your ear and you just couldn’t get away. That’s what Haechan was, a bug. The entire ride home he was right next to you talking your ear off. In all honesty, you hadn’t heard a word of his updates, your mind was occupied with a slightly more important matter. Where were you going to sleep? There was no way you could afford any other place to live, the cost of living was just too high in Seoul.

“Y/N …. Y/N? Are you even listening to me?” He frowned at you, almost baffled at the fact that you weren’t giving him your full attention.

“Sorry I’m just stressed. What were you saying?”

“Stressed? About what? Falling in love with me and all my witty charm?”

You gave him a pointed look. “Why would that even be a thing? You?” You snorted before looking back out the window.

“Okay ouch. But really, why are you stressed? You just got back to Korea! We get to have fun again!”

“I-” You sucked in a deep breath, “You know what, you’re right! I’m gonna have an amazing time! I’ve missed you.”

“Ew. Are you gonna cry?” Haechan teased you, knowing damn well that he could feel his own tears welling up.

“No way! It’s just cold here. California is hot as hell, I’ve just gotta adjust again.”

“Sure.” You gave him a side eye before leaning your head on his shoulder with  a smile.

“I missed this.”

“Me too.”

“Guys, this is Y/N, and I’m not sharing.” With that swift introduction Haechan yanked you into a room.

“Hyuck!” You whined, “That was kinda rude. You should at least let them tell me their names.”

“RenjunJaeminJenoChenleJisung. Happy?” He rushed through before flopping onto one of the beds.

“God. You are so annoying.”

“Is that supposed to be a bad thing?” He asked innocently. You rolled your eyes at him when suddenly the door burst open.

“Haechan-ie!” A guy with silver hair cried out in the most sugary sweet tone you thought was possible. Haechan visibly flinched.

“Jaemin, no. Don’t come any closer.” You could almost hear the fear in his voice. You snickered, taking the attention off of Haechan and directing it to yourself unintentionally.

“Oh! Y/N! I’m Jaemin, Haechan has told us ALL about you.” You frowned, not liking the smirk he was giving you.

“What’s that supposed to mean? What did you tell them?!”

“Nothing.” He said with a snicker.

“Don’t worry, he didn’t tell us anything bad. I’m Jeno by the way.” The boy with black hair, and the cutest eye smile you had ever seen spoke up.

“Oh.” You let out.

“I’m Chenle and this is Jisung, he’s shy.” The boy who was supposedly Jisung gave Chenle an elbow in the side.

You laughed awkwardly, “Haha, hi.” The taller boy gave you a shy smile before tugging Chenle out the door, who in turn gave you the biggest smile and waved as he was dragged out.

Your eyes turned to the last boy in the room who you had yet to know. By elimination this was probably Renjun.

You waited. He didn’t introduce himself.

“Uhh...Renjun’s just kinda in a bad mood right now. I just beat his ass at Mario Kart, isn’t that right Renjun-ie?” Jaemin got up and started jabbing playfully at the bespectacled member.

Renjun glared at him and stormed out the door in what seemed to be anger. You didn’t think that losing a Mario Kart game deserved that, but you also never lost a Mario Kart game so you wouldn’t know. Although Haechan can be a pretty big sore loser.

“Are you done?”

“Haechan! Don’t be rude!”

“What? I just wanna hang out with my best friend and they’re bugging us.”

“Why don’t you go back to your dorm?” Jeno asked, it didn’t seem like he was being rude, but there was a teasing hint in his voice.

“Ugh. Johnny told me to stay out, he said I was too hyper today.”

“Today? As if today is any different than any other day.” He snickered.

It was only seconds before he was met with a pillow in the face.

“Haechan! No, no, no,” Jaemin wagged his finger in Haechan’s face, “Renjun will not be happy if he finds out you’re throwing his things.”

“Wait? Is this Renjun’s room?” You asked, slightly panicked.

“Yeah, why?” Haechan replied, not taking his attention off the staring contest he was having with Jaemin.

“Is that why he was so mad? We totally took over his room!”

“No I don’t think Renjun cares, but to be honest I don’t know why he was acting so weird. He’s normally really chill, really.” Jeno said with a frown.

“Yeah, he was kinda rude. Didn’t even introduce himself.” Jaemin cut off the staring contest, straightening back up, cocking his head in curiosity.

“Don’t worry about it, he’ll come around for sure.” Jeno butted in, seeing the look of anxiety on your face.

You nodded, in an attempt to convince yourself, but not really paying attention to the rest of the wrestling match that was now happening on what was supposed to be Renjun’s bed.

You’re a people pleaser. It’s not like you wanted to be, but it really bugged you when people didn’t like you. It’s not like you think you’re super likeable and everyone has to like you, but made you upset if they didn’t like you for no reason.

You had a gut feeling that things were going to be a little uncomfortable between the two of you for a while, and you didn’t like that at all.

“Our little Jisung-ah is all grown up!” There was a loud wail coming from beside you, accompanied by the baby talk that you found common for him to use.

“Jaemin, stop it, he’s an adult now, let him breathe.” Renjun said whilst pulling him back by his shoulders. Jisung gave Renjun a look of relief and thanks.

“But he’s such a baby still.” Haechan cried from beside you shaking his shoulders in the process. You visibly cringed at the sight of seeing your best friend doing aegyo.

“We’re gonna get wasted!” Chenle barked with his arm around Jisung’s shoulders. A feat in itself as Jisung was significantly taller than the older boy.

“Okaaay. We’re not getting wasted, but yeah let’s have fun!” Jeno, ever the mature one.

You smiled to yourself, it had only been a couple weeks of visiting, but it already felt unbelievably comfortable to be around the guys.

Before you knew it everyone was drunk out of their minds.

“Who’s hungry?” Chenle asked, “I am. I’m gonna get snacks.” He answered himself, standing up and not caring about anyone’s response.

“Oooh. Snacks sound fantastic. “ You lamented, smiling at the thought of eating chips.

“Me too! Guys, you stay here, we're gonna get snacks. Okay?” At least Haechan was a bit more conscious than Chenle was, and to be fair they were just gonna go to the vending machine on the ground floor. Not that them not being sober enough was going to make you stop them. You were craving chips and in no position to tell them they shouldn’t go. Soju hits different.

The door slammed shut on their way out.

The next few minutes were a blur, glimpses of Jisung peppering kisses on everyone, Jaemin crawling on top of Jeno for hugs, and Renjun smiling out of his mind at absolutely nothing.

You grinned, Renjun has a nice smile. He should do it more often.

“Thanks.”

“Huh?”

“I’ll smile more if you like it.”

“Did I say that outloud?” Your mind was running a hundred miles per hour and you were getting dizzy.

“Yeah. But it’s okay, I won’t tell anyone.” He whisper-yelled at you, falling over slightly as he leaned towards you.

He caught himself but he was much closer than he had ever been before.

“You have amazing skin. What do you use?”

He laughed, it was beautiful.

“Thank you. Did you mean to say that outloud?” His eyes were smiling now.

“Yeah.”

“Oh you did?”

“Mm-hmm.”

He was so close you could see every speck in his eyes.  As if he could hear you, he let his eyelids fall, hooding them. He leaned forward just enough and let his forehead rest on yours.  You could feel his breath on your lips.

He whispered, “If I moved an inch, we could kiss.”

“Hmmm?”

You couldn’t focus on what he was saying, he was too close.

“Would you hate it if I did?” This was so quiet that even if you were listening you probably still wouldn’t have heard it.

“Mmm.”

Your eyes closed, an attempt at pulling yourself back, focusing on anything but him.

It was the slightest touch, he brushed his lips against yours. Oh, they were oh so soft. Then there was more, he pushed against you, more firm than before. Your lips molded together in a rhythm and you let out the slightest sigh at the feeling.

“Ew! What are you doing?” He pulled away slowly, leaving you chasing for more but met with empty air.

“Jisung-ie I want kisses too!” Jaemin cried out, leaping towards the youngest, who in turn giggled as he attempted escape.

“We’re back bitches!” Of course Chenle would be this loud, you squinted at him, ears still ringing from his entrance.

“Chips?” You asked, slightly excited at the sight of both their arms full with heaps of bags.

“Of course. Sun chips for you as always.” Haechan grinned and chucked the bag in your direction, ultimately hitting you in the face.

You pouted at him, before smiling at the chips again.

“Also I’ve got gummies!”

“Yes!” You cried out pulling your fists into a victory pump.

He plopped down next to you, squeezing in the thin gap between you and Renjun. He slung his arms around the two of you, swaying back and forth.

“Guys, I’m so happy we’re all here. I love you guys.” He grinned his toothy smile, planting a large smooch on both yours and Renjun’s cheeks.

“Ew! Gross, cooties Hyuck!” You giggle out, stuffing a handful of chips in your mouth.

Preoccupied by wiping the Haechan’s affection off your cheek, you didn’t notice the unsubtle glances Renjun was giving you.

It felt like you were being crushed by a whale. No, not a whale, a whole building.

You groaned, attempting to escape the weight that was keeping you stuck to the floor.

“Ow!” Your hand was met by someone’s face.

“Oops, sorry.” You commented, not really apologetic at all. Your head was pounding and you could smell food. Nothing else mattered at the moment.

“No, mom. Just a few more minutes.” Haechan groaned from his spot on top of you. Any other time you would have laughed at him, but you were too focused on making your escape towards food.

“Oomph!” Haechan hit the floor as you stumbled towards the kitchen.

“Renjun?” You whispered out, your throat still itchy from last night’s escapade.

“Hi.” It was the absolute softest thing you had ever heard. He pushed his glasses further up his nose before turning back to the stove. You self consciously patted your hair as you reached for a glass of water.

“There’s some painkillers on the table, you should take one while you eat.”

“Huh? Oh. Okay, thanks.”

What was up with the sudden mood change?

Renjun had probably said more to you here now, than he had in the whole time of you knowing him.

Quickly downing the water and pills you headed towards the shower, hoping to escape whatever situation you were in, it felt weird.

“Morning.” Jeno smiled at you, setting a plate full of food on the table. You smiled back at him, drying off the last bits of hair with your towel.

“Wow, oh my gosh, why does it smell even better now than it did before?” You exclaimed sitting down, taking a big whiff of the food.

You basically let out a moan as you took the first bite, not noticing the six pairs of eyes now directed at you.

“Renjun, this is amazing!” You smiled up at him giving him a thumbs up before digging back into your food.

You missed the blush that crept on his face.

“Ew. Watch the noises you make, that was actually so gross.” Haechan commented, before taking his own bite, immediately making an exaggerated moaning sound, that earned him a slap.

“Seriously Renjun, it’s amazing. Aren’t you going to eat?” He shook his head slightly before running off the showers.

You all looked at each other and shrugged, figuring he wanted to clean himself up before eating.

Haechan was mid-bite when his phone buzzed. He ignored it.

“Hey we should-”

Buzz.

He ignored it.

“There’s this new movi-”

Buzz.

“Answer the phone Haechan.” Jeno said around a mouthful of food.

“Ugh, why does he always bother me when I’m busy?”

Buzz, buzz, buzz, buzz.

“Great now he’s calling me.” He wiped his hands off and grabbed the phone.

“What? Ugh, fine I’ll be over.” He hung up the phone, stuffing one last piece in his mouth.

“Guys gotta jet, I’ll text you later!” He grabbed his bag and ran out the door before you all could interject.

“Okay, then.” You muttered, a little bitter about his quick exit. You heard the water turn on, Renjun must be showering then.

“So, Y/N, how was last night for you?” Jaemin asked with a smirk. That smirk almost never brings good things.

“Fine, why?” You asked, skeptical as you took another bite.

“I don’t know, from my point of view you looked like you had a great time last night.” He winked at you.

“What the hell are you talking about?” You muttered giving him a side eye.

He just laughed, giving you kissy faces before putting his dishes in the sink.

“Jeno you’re on dish duty today!” He yelled, escaping to his room.

“What the hell?” You turned as Jeno gave you a pat on the back, “I’m sure you’ll remember soon.”

For the next few hours you wracked your brain, not really focusing on the book you were reading.

“Oh! Sorry, I didn’t know you were in here.” Renjun had pulled you out of your thoughts and you shut your book, not that it was doing you any good anyways.

“No, it’s good. I was leaving anyways.” You got up, heading towards the door frame, maybe a nap would do you good.

“Oh.”

You paused at his response.

You spun around.

“Hey Renjun? Are we good?” You asked tilting your head, waiting for a response.

He cleared his throat, clearly startled by the question.

“Um, yeah, why? Are we not good?”

“No, I just- no everything’s fine. Right?” The last bit you said to yourself as you exited the room, flopping onto Jaemin’s bed, which had become your new favorite place.

As you closed your eyes you were hit with sudden images of last night, particularly Renjun.

You shot up in horror.

“Oh my god.” You whisper-shouted to yourself. “Oh my god.”

“I kissed Renjun.”

Part 2 | Part 3